About University of South Alabama
South Alabama has built a strong reputation for health sciences education since opening in 1963, particularly earning recognition for its medical and nursing programs that serve the Gulf Coast region. The university enrolls 8,540 students on its midsize Mobile campus. Notable graduates include Apple CEO Tim Cook and NBA Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning, reflecting the diverse paths students can take from this full public research university.
Students face an average net price of $15,142 after financial aid, with 37% receiving Pell Grants to help cover costs. Graduates typically earn a median salary of $49,379 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of $24,929. The monthly loan payment of $264 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential, though the 47% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates face financial challenges.
The student body skews female at 62%, with strong representation from Alabama residents who make up 72% of enrollment. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors across the university's programs. South Alabama competes in Division I athletics as the Jaguars, offering 17 varsity sports in the Sun Belt Conference. The 53% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their degrees.
Students face an average net price of $15,142 after financial aid, with 37% receiving Pell Grants to help cover costs. Graduates typically earn a median salary of $49,379 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of $24,929. The monthly loan payment of $264 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential, though the 47% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates face financial challenges.
The student body skews female at 62%, with strong representation from Alabama residents who make up 72% of enrollment. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors across the university's programs. South Alabama competes in Division I athletics as the Jaguars, offering 17 varsity sports in the Sun Belt Conference. The 53% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
USA's health sciences programs draw students from across the Southeast, with its medical school and nursing programs leading the way. The university operates as a full research institution serving 8,540 students with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. About half of students graduate within four years, reflecting the demanding coursework in health-related fields. The medical college produces doctors for underserved rural areas throughout Alabama and the Gulf Coast. Engineering and business programs also attract students, though health sciences remains the academic cornerstone. Students benefit from clinical rotations at USA Health hospitals and hands-on research opportunities. The 52.6% six-year graduation rate shows that persistence pays off for students willing to tackle rigorous professional preparation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 65.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 50.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.6%
- Retention Rate
- 76.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,379
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $115,711 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $109,763 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $102,706 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,954 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,214 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $71,015 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $70,232 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,240 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $65,821 |
Campus Life
Mobile brings Gulf Coast warmth that rarely requires heavy coats but demands serious sunscreen from March through October. The 1,200-acre campus sits just minutes from downtown Mobile, Alabama's third-largest city, where students explore historic districts and waterfront festivals. With housing capacity for 3,405 students but total enrollment of 8,540, about 40% of undergraduates live on campus in a mix of traditional dorms and apartment-style housing.
The Jaguars compete in 17 Division I sports as part of the Sun Belt Conference, with 371 total athletes drawing campus attention to Mitchell Center basketball games and Jaguar Field football. Women outnumber men 62% to 38%, creating a female-majority campus culture. Weekend activities center around Mobile Bay's beaches, downtown's live music venues, and the historic French Quarter just 15 minutes away. Students frequently head to Gulf Shores for beach trips or New Orleans for weekend getaways, both within two hours. The semester calendar allows for extended Mardi Gras celebrations, a major campus tradition reflecting Mobile's role as the birthplace of American Mardi Gras.
The Jaguars compete in 17 Division I sports as part of the Sun Belt Conference, with 371 total athletes drawing campus attention to Mitchell Center basketball games and Jaguar Field football. Women outnumber men 62% to 38%, creating a female-majority campus culture. Weekend activities center around Mobile Bay's beaches, downtown's live music venues, and the historic French Quarter just 15 minutes away. Students frequently head to Gulf Shores for beach trips or New Orleans for weekend getaways, both within two hours. The semester calendar allows for extended Mardi Gras celebrations, a major campus tradition reflecting Mobile's role as the birthplace of American Mardi Gras.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,405 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1963
Campus Safety (2023)
80 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 17 | 9 | 11 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Arson | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 40°–61°F
- July Avg
- 73°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 67.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.2"
Student Demographics
Students come from across Alabama and the Gulf Coast, with 72% staying in-state to attend. Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong health sciences programs where nursing and medical fields traditionally attract more female students. The diverse enrollment includes significant representation from Black students at 22%, serving the demographics of Mobile and surrounding communities. With 37% receiving Pell Grants, USA attracts students from working-class families seeking affordable pathways into healthcare careers. The regional draw makes sense for a university built around serving local medical workforce needs.
- Men
- 38.2%
- Women
- 61.8%
- White
- 60.9%
- Black
- 22.0%
- Hispanic
- 5.2%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 72.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.1%
Location
Mobile, Alabama sits on the Gulf Coast about 150 miles from New Orleans and Birmingham. The city of roughly 190,000 people offers a blend of Southern charm and coastal culture along Mobile Bay. Students enjoy access to beaches, historic districts, and a thriving port city atmosphere. The university's 1,200-acre campus provides a suburban feel within the city limits. Mobile's maritime heritage shows in its shipbuilding industry and annual Mardi Gras celebrations, which predate New Orleans'. The mild Gulf Coast climate allows for year-round outdoor activities. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare University of South Alabama with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,379
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,913
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $264/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,929
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Alabama?
University of South Alabama accepts 65.36% of applicants with middle 50% SAT scores ranging from 1003 to 1200. The university provides accessible admission to students seeking quality health sciences education on the Gulf Coast.
How much does University of South Alabama cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of South Alabama is $15,142, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,148. About 37% of students receive financial aid, making this public university affordable for Alabama residents and beyond.
What is University of South Alabama known for academically?
University of South Alabama operates with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its comprehensive programs. The university has built a strong reputation for health sciences, particularly medicine and nursing, serving the medical needs of the Gulf Coast region.
What are the graduation rates at University of South Alabama?
University of South Alabama graduates 52.60% of students within six years and maintains a 76.25% retention rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,379 ten years after enrollment, with 95.9% finding employment after graduation.
Where is University of South Alabama located and what's campus life like?
University of South Alabama sits in Mobile, Alabama, enrolling 8,540 students with housing for 3,405 on campus. The Jaguars compete in NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference athletics across 17 varsity sports with 371 total athletes.
Does University of South Alabama have any famous alumni?
University of South Alabama counts Apple CEO Tim Cook among its most prominent graduates, along with NBA players DeMarcus Cousins and Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning. Founded in 1963, the university has quickly established itself as a launching pad for leaders in business, technology, and professional sports.
